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Tag: Police

  • Anambra: Police rescue four kidnap victims, arrest 10 suspects

    Anambra: Police rescue four kidnap victims, arrest 10 suspects

    The Police Command in Anambra says it has rescued four kidnap victims, including a Reverend Father in the past two weeks.

    The Police Commissioner (CP) Ikioye Orutugu in the state disclosed this at a news conference on Friday in Awka.

    According to a report by the news Agency of Nigeria (NAN),Orutugu also said that in the period under review, the command arrested 10 kidnap suspects, recovered 10 firearms and four vehicles from suspected criminals.

    “In the command’s commitment to keeping residents informed about the evolving security situation in the state, the command has in the two weeks under review recorded significant breakthroughs.

    “Given the operational support from sister agencies, Anambra State Vigilantes and other security operatives through sustained patrols and targeted security operations, four kidnapped victims including a Catholic Reverend Father were rescued and 10 suspects arrested.

    “Also recovered were ten arms of assorted brands, 16 expended cartridges and 46 live ammunition, four vehicles and other incriminating items,” he said.

    He explained that three of the recovered cars had been released to their owners after necessary verifications.

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    The commissioner also sympathized with the victims of the main market fire incident at a warehouse located at Ifejirika by Nwangene, Onitsha, in the early hours of Friday.

    He said that the incident could have been avoided if necessary precautionary measures were adhered to.

    According to him, no life was lost and the command appreciates the support of the fire service agency and good-spirited individuals in making sure that the fire was put out.

    He said that the police had since cordoned the scene to investigate the cause of the fire and to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the situation to commit crime in the area.

  • Police Ban all Durbar activities amid emirship tussle

    Police Ban all Durbar activities amid emirship tussle

    The Kano State Police Command has banned all Sallah Durbar celebrations ahead of the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr festivities, citing security concerns and the need to prevent potential unrest.

    The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, announced the decision on Friday while addressing journalists at the Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano.

    He stated that intelligence reports revealed plans by certain groups to use the Durbar to create instability.

    “In pursuit of a safe and secure celebration, and to maintain peace and public order, the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has assessed the rising tensions and uncertainties surrounding the Durbar activities,” CP Bakori said.

    “Following credible intelligence reports about plans to use the Durbar as a proxy for unrest, a ban has been placed on all Durbar activities throughout the state during the 2025 Eid-El-Fitr Sallah celebrations.”

    The Police Commissioner emphasised that the decision was taken after extensive consultations with the Kano State Government and other key stakeholders.

    The police command has urged worshippers to conduct their Eid prayers only at designated prayer grounds and to adhere to security guidelines.

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    Some of the restrictions in place outlined by CP Bakori include worshippers should avoid carrying unnecessary objects that may cause suspicion; no horse riding (Kilisa), car racing, or reckless driving will be allowed, and parents and guardians must caution their children against involvement in disruptive activities.

    CP Bakori warned that Kano residents caught violating these directives would face legal consequences that the police had deployed adequate security personnel to ensure a peaceful Sallah celebration. He urged the public to remain law-abiding and prioritise peace during the festivities.

    “As we celebrate this joyous occasion, let us prioritise peace above all else, set aside our differences, and unite as law-abiding citizens for the progress of our state and nation,” he urged.

    The 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Bayero had on Wednesday announced the cancellation of the Eid-el-Fitr Durbar apparently because of security concerns following a Federal High Court judgment that nullified the reinstatement of his rival and former CBN governor, Emir Muhammad Sanusi.

  • Police officer dead, 19 Shi’ite members arrested after clash in Abuja

    Police officer dead, 19 Shi’ite members arrested after clash in Abuja

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed one of its officers died and 19 Shi’ites members were arrested during a clash in Abuja. 

    The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao Adewale, condemned the attack on security operatives by members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shi’ites.

    A statement on Friday night by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh reads: “On March 28, 2025, at approximately 2:20 PM, the FCT Police Command received a distress call reporting a violent assault on security personnel by IMN members armed with firearms, cutlasses, catapults, sticks, stones, petrol bombs, and other lethal weapons in the Banex Area, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2.

    “Upon swift deployment to the scene, police and security personnel encountered intense gunfire from the attackers, resulting in the serious injury of three security operatives. They were promptly transported to the National Hospital, where one was tragically pronounced dead.

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    “Nineteen suspects have been arrested in connection with this incident, while others managed to escape. Normalcy has since been fully restored, and investigations are ongoing to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice. CP Ajao Saka Adewale emphasized that actions are being implemented to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act”.

    The Commissioner warned attacks on security operatives who risk their lives to protect citizens will not be tolerated. 

    He urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, and report any suspicious activities to the Command at the following numbers: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883″.

  • Police urge public to disregard kidnapping news in Lagos

    Police urge public to disregard kidnapping news in Lagos

    The Police Command in Lagos State has described as fake and recycled,  a report  about increased kidnapping on Gbagada Expressway, urging the residents to disregard it.

    The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, debunked the report in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

    “The command wishes to, for the umpteenth time, debunk a recurring advisory on social media purportedly emanating from the command, about ‘increase in kidnapping incidents along Gbagada Expressway’.

    “The command hereby states unequivocally that the claim about such a security alert was issued by the command is false.

    “This fake advisory first surfaced in January 2024 and was promptly debunked. It surfaced again in September 2024 and was again debunked. It is sad that purveyors of fake news have churned it out again in March 2025.

    “That notwithstanding, the command is not unmindful of the concerns raised in the alert,” he said.

    Hundeyin said that the Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, had ordered review of the security architecture in the area.

    “CP Jimoh has ordered immediate review of the security architecture of the entire area.

    “The improved security architecture will be regularly reviewed and optimised to ensure absolute security for road users, residents of the area and the entire people of Lagos.

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    “To this end, CP Jimoh urges residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear of harassment or intimidation, ” he said.

    Hundeyin urged the residents to remain security conscious and report any suspicious activities around them to the nearest police station or call the command’s control room on 08065154338, 08063299264 or 09129229576.

    According to him, the commissioner of police  has ordered apprehension and prosecution of the fake news purveyors.

    “Jimoh has given marching orders
    to detectives of the command to go on the trail of the mischievous individuals behind this ill-intentioned act,  to cause unnecessary fear and apprehension among Lagosians, with the mandate to apprehend and prosecute them,” he said.

    The spokesperson warned purveyors of fake news to desist from such an act or face the full wrath of the law.

    (NAN)

  • Police quiz Senator over alleged KGB infiltration of National Assembly

    Police quiz Senator over alleged KGB infiltration of National Assembly

    The  Police are currently investigating a case of alleged infiltration of the National Assembly by Russia’s KGB (Komitet Gosudarstvennoy Bezopasnosti), the former Soviet security agency.

    The Police headquarters had invited Senator representing Kogi West, Sunday Karimi, for questioning following a petition by his colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to that effect, it was learnt.

    According to the petition dated March 5, Senator  Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently on six months suspension from the Senate had asked the police to investigate the claim by her counterpart from Kogi West that the KGB had infiltrated the National Assembly, thus posing a serious threat to the nation’s democratic processes.

    Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, in the petition, alleged that Senator Karimi shared a report titled: “KGB agent warns Senate: A call for vigilance amidst threats to democracy” on the official WhatsApp group of the 10th Senate on February 23.

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    In her petition, the Kogi Central lawmaker asked the Police not to treat the alarm raised by Senator Karimi with levity, saying that, “No nation can afford to ignore the presence of such a group within its legislative body.”

    Further investigations showed that Senator Karimi appeared at Louis Edet, Police headquarters on Monday this week where he was allegedly quizzed concerning the petition following police invitation.

    Sources at the Police headquarters said Karimi owned up to the post on the 10th Senate’s WhatsApp platform saying he meant no harm.

  • Police arrest cook over alleged $35,000 theft, rescue kidnapped woman

    Police arrest cook over alleged $35,000 theft, rescue kidnapped woman

    The Police Command in Gombe State has arrested one Hannatu Ibrahim, 28, who allegedly stole $35,000 (N53,495,400) from her Syrian employer.

    In a statement made available to newsmen in Gombe on Wednesday, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the Command’s spokesperson, said two other suspects were also arrested in connection with the alleged theft.

    Abdullahi said that Ibrahim, a cook, after allegedly stealing the money also set her employer’s house on fire.

    He said that a report was received on Saturday from Mohammed Jurdi, a Syrian expatriate with Triacter Nigeria Limited,  who alleged that Ibrahim stole $35,000 (N53,495,400) belonging to him and set his house ablaze.

    “Upon receipt of the call, Police patrol team from Gombe Division swiftly swung into action and arrested the prime suspect, Hannatu Ibrahim.

    “Upon investigation, she was found in possession of 7,100 US Dollars,” he said.

    Abdullahi said that further investigation led to the arrest of two other suspects in connection with the crime as one of the two suspects was arrested with $100 note received from Ibrahim.

    He said a total of $7, 200 was recovered as exhibits from the suspects, adding that the case would soon be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

    In a related development, the police spokesperson said that a 22-year-old housewife from Wuro-Waila, Kumo community, was rescued unhurt after five days in captivity.

    Abdullahi said that on March 19 at about 1:30p.m., a formal complaint was received from one Usaini Magaji, 36, that six men with a single barrel gun and sticks invaded his residence.

    According to the command spokesman, Magaji informed the police that the armed men shot into the air and then abducted his wife, Amina Hussaini.

    “On receipt of the report, policemen from Akko Divisional Police headquarters, led by CSP Chama Yakubu, visited the scene of incident, where two empty shells of single barrel cartridges was recovered.”

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    Abdullahi said the police immediately commenced investigation, raiding black spots  and tracking the fleeing abductors

    He said that that when the heat on the suspects was too much, they relased their victim on Tuesday at about 3:00p.m. and took to their heels, escaping into the bush.

    The command’s spokesman said that Mrs Amina Hussaini has since been reunited with her family after receiving medical attention.

    Abdullahi said that efforts were being intensified to arrest the perpetrators of the crime.

    He also said five other suspects were arrested over various crimes in the state ranging from criminal conspiracy, theft of motorcycle and possession of locally-made pistol.

    Abdullahi urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police or other security agencies.

    He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and properties of residents. (NAN) 

  • Ritualists kill two sisters in Rivers, collect blood in bottle- Police

    Ritualists kill two sisters in Rivers, collect blood in bottle- Police

    The Police have apprehended four suspects for killing seven-year-old twin sisters identified as Chizaram and Chidinma Onuche in Rivers State.

    The suspects after killing their victims d collected their blood in bottles for ritual purposes.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement identified one of the suspects as a 27-year-old Aniekan Sunday Uko, a native of Akwa Ibom, residing at 2nd Pipeline, Rukpokwu. 

    The statement said Aniekan lured victims to his location, drugged them using a drink known as Black Bullet as a sedative, and subsequently slaughtered them, collecting their blood in a bottle.

    The police said a 19-year-old female suspect, Luis John Uwelemele,  a native of Cross River State, residing at Omuike, Aluu is the girlfriend of the first suspect. Aniekan and linked to the crime.

    Another suspect, 43-,year-old Kingsley Opurum,  a native of Etche, Rivers State, residing at 3rd Pipeline, Eneka was implicated as the native doctor complicit in the murder of the deceased.

    The last suspect, 47-year-old Friday Silas, a native of Plateau State, residing at 2nd Pipeline, Rukpokwu, claimed that he allowed him to stay at the uncompleted building where the killings took place.

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    The statement reads: “Aniekan confessed that he became involved in the ritual killing after visiting the native doctor and witnessing him perform similar rituals for others in exchange for wealth. The native doctor instructed him to provide fresh human remains and blood for ritualistic purposes.

    “Law enforcement officials visited the scene of the crime, documented evidence with photographs, and recovered additional exhibits. The following items were retrieved:

    A kitchen knife identified as the murder weapon: a bottle filled with the victims’ blood, scooped by the suspect; an empty can of Black Bullet, used to drug the victims before the act and a spoon, used to collect the victims’ blood.

    “The deceased victims’ bodies have been deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy”.

    The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju assured the public that justice would be served, and all perpetrators of the heinous crime would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. 

    “Investigations are ongoing to uncover further details and possible accomplices. We urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station. The safety and security of all citizens remain our top priority.”

  • Police, religious leader urge peace, unity during Ramadan, Lent 

    Police, religious leader urge peace, unity during Ramadan, Lent 

    Assistant Inspector General of Police, Special Protection Unit (SPU) Force Headquarters, Olatunji Disu, has emphasized the importance of peace, unity, and compassion in Nigeria’s multi-faith society, as Muslims and Christians observe the holy periods of Ramadan and Lent.

    He made the call during the breaking of fast with journalists, an event organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalist, (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Speaking during the event, AIG Disu called on journalists to continue to promote peace and unity. 

    He also commended the togetherness and professionalism of members of press. 

    He said, “We use this opportunity to urge all Nigerians to embody values of compassion, humility, and service in their interactions with one another. This is a call for all faiths to work together for a harmonious and prosperous Nigeria.”

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    Also speaking, the Deputy Imam of Abuja, Yusuf Abdulateef delivering a message on the significance of Ramadan, describing it as a time not only for fasting but for spiritual purification and closeness to God.

    He said: “Ramadan is not only for us to abstain from eating alone, but it is also coming for us to be purified. For our souls to be purified and for us to be brought closer to our Creator.”

    He further explained the special role of the month of Ramadan in the Muslim faith, noting its connection to the revelation of the Holy Quran.

    “Allah revealed the Holy Quran in the month of Ramadan, and that is why Ramadan is so special to us as Muslims,” he said. 

    He also underscored the importance of the last 10 days of Ramadan, which are considered a time for deep reflection and seeking Allah’s forgiveness.

    The Deputy Imam also highlighted the spirit of unity fostered by Ramadan, sharing a personal experience of Christians and Muslims coming together to break fast and pray at his mosque.

     “This is one of the special significances of Ramadan. We come together in spirit, unity, cooperation, and one and the same faith,” he said. 

    The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, called on journalists to promote peace and unity through their work.

    She said Nigeria, as a diverse nation with ethnic groups and multiple faiths, thrives on peace and unity. 

    Nigeria’s history has been marred by ethno-religious conflicts that threaten our shared future, she said. 

    Ike stressed the role of journalists in shaping narratives that either unite or divide communities. 

    She urged both Muslim and Christian journalists to report stories that foster interfaith dialogue and tolerance. 

    She said: “In promoting unity, we have to uphold fairness in reporting to ensure that no group feels marginalized or misrepresented. This builds trust among communities and strengthens societal cohesion.

    “May Allah guide us in our mission to serve truthfully and justly. May our efforts contribute to a peaceful and united Nigeria. Ramadan Kareem and Graceful Lenten Season.”

  • Police confirm release of kidnapped Navy Lieutenant

    Police confirm release of kidnapped Navy Lieutenant

    • Four suspects held, N3.2m recovered

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the release of Lt. Cynthia Akor, a Nigerian Navy (NN) officer serving at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

    Akor was kidnapped alongside her sister and another victim by gunmen who invaded the Mamman Vatsa Estate gate, blocked Mpape Road, and opened fire on moving vehicles last Friday.

    The Nation earlier reported that the kidnappers, said to be criminal herdsmen, had demanded N100million for each of the victims but later collected N2million each before a security operation swooped on their location at Karu about 1:30am yesterday and freed the hostages.

    It was gathered that the operation involved the FCT Police Command, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Guards Brigade and Naval Unit, Abuja.

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    The security team recovered starched cash from the kidnappers’ den located in the suburbs of Abuja where the victims were also rescued and four relatives of the suspects apprehended.

    Among those arrested were the mother and sister of one of the suspected kidnappers, as well as the father and wife of another notorious suspect.

    It was learnt that the relatives were assisting security operatives with information on the activities and whereabouts of the main culprits.

    Confirming the Naval officer’s release yesterday afternoon, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for FCT Command, Superintendent of Police Josephine Adeh, told The Nation she was not aware of any paid ransom.

    She said the arrested suspects were in the custody of the police, adding that the released victims were in stable condition and receiving treatment at the Army clinic, Abuja.

  • JUST IN: Imo police smash kidnapping syndicate, arrest three

    JUST IN: Imo police smash kidnapping syndicate, arrest three

    The Imo State Police Command has smashed kidnapping syndicate who has been terrorising residents of the state.

    The suspects were arrested during an operation at their location in Egbu, in Owerri North Local Government Area of the state.

    Three members of the gang arrested include, Favour Dike, 22, Ifeanyi Kingsley, 30, and Wisdom Chikodi, 31, were apprehended on March 18, 2025, in connection with the kidnapping of one Mr. Sabinus Ibe, a 48-year-old resident of Owerri.

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    In a statement by the state police spokesman, Henry Okoye on Sunday, Mr. Ibe was abducted on February 22, 2025, at around 8:00 pm in Egbu, Owerri, and taken to an undisclosed location.

    The kidnappers demanded a ransom, which was paid through a POS transaction. The payment was traced to a Moniepoint account operated by Favour Dike.

    Upon arrest, Favour Dike admitted to receiving a two million naira ransom payment on the instructions of Ifeanyi Kingsley. Kingsley later confessed to providing Dike’s POS account details at the request of his friend, Wisdom Chikodi, a member of the kidnapping syndicate.

    The police spokesman reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to fighting crime, assuring that the suspects will be arraigned in court after the investigation.

    “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Imo State is safe for all citizens,” he said.